Pathway to an Australian degree
SWINBURNE University of Technology is one of Australia’s top universities based in Melbourne with an international branch campus in Kuching, Sarawak.
Last year, Swinburne was ranked in the Next 50 under 50 by QS World University Rankings and placed 61st in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2017.
Swinburne started as a technical college in 1908 and celebrated its 25th anniversary as a university last year.
Its Sarawak campus was opened in 2000 and sits on 16.5 acres (6.7ha) of land with modern teaching and learning facilities, surrounded by many public and commercial amenities.
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus (Swinburne Sarawak) is among the few selected universities in Malaysia to be awarded self-accreditation status by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and has been rated 5 Star: Excellent for the fourth consecutive time in the Higher Education Ministry’s Rating for Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia.
Upon completing their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examinations, school-leavers have many paths to choose from for their higher education journey.
A foundation is a pre-university course that offers a quick and supportive pathway to pursuing undergraduate studies in their preferred discipline.
At Swinburne University of Technology, its foundation courses lead to a host of degree programmes. The four choices offered by Swinburne’s specialised School of Foundation Studies are business, engineering/science, design and information technology/multimedia.
The Swinburne Foundation Studies (Business) leads to majors in accounting, finance, human resource management, international business, marketing, management, management and digital media (double major) or accounting and finance (double major).
The Swinburne Foundation Studies (Information Technology/ Multimedia) prepares students for further studies in information and communication technology (majoring in software technology or network technology) or computer science (majoring in software development, cybersecurity or Internet of Things).
Students who opt for the Swinburne Foundation Studies (Engineering/Science) will be equipped with knowledge and skills for further studies in biotechnology and various engineering fields such as civil, chemical, electrical and electronic, mechanical, robotics with mechatronics, civil and business (double major), or robotics with mechatronics and computer science (double major).
In addition, students who are keen to pursue their undergraduate studies in multimedia design can choose to start with Swinburne Foundation Studies (Design).
Grounded in the use of real-world scenarios, Swinburne Sarawak’s foundation courses not only equip students with essential academic and communication skills but also critical and analytical thinking skills necessary to succeed in tertiary studies.
Its core units encourage creativity and innovation while its streamspecific units develop further understanding of the majors available.
Combined with Swinburne Sarawak’s experienced lecturers, well-equipped classrooms and world-class laboratories for engineering, science and computing, foundation students receive a well-rounded education to ensure they are prepared to face the academic rigours of undergraduate study.
The next foundation intake is in April with all-in tuition starting from RM16,344 for Malaysian students and RM23,598 for international students.
Upon successful completion of the foundation course, students may proceed to the degree course of their preferred disciplines at the Kuching or Melbourne campuses.
Swinburne offers higher education that is uniquely Australian where students graduate with degrees that receive worldwide recognition. Both campuses deliver identical programmes and teaching materials. Testamurs are awarded by the Melbourne campus.
Swinburne Sarawak has students from more than 40 countries and a range of on-campus residential options for students to choose from.
Kuching, one of the most racially diverse cities in Malaysia, is a rapidly growing, modern place shaped by a unique blend of sophisticated development and cultural appreciation with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru, Penang, Kota Baru, Langkawi and Kota Kinabalu.
The university’s advanced facilities include campus-wide highspeed Internet access, a 24/7 library and laboratories equipped with cutting-edge equipment.
Where financial aid and scholarships are concerned, students who meet the selection criteria may apply for assistance or scholarships offered by state and governmentlinked agencies such as the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), Majlis Amanah Rakyat, Yayasan Sarawak or other private and charitable bodies.
Swinburne Sarawak will be holding open days this Sunday at Tanahmas Hotel, Sibu, on March 17 and 18 at the Swinburne Sarawak campus and on March 18 at Pullman Miri Waterfront, Miri.
The open days will include highlights such as free on-the-spot applications, course counselling by academic staff and advice about scholarships and financial aid options for eligible students. For more information, call 082-415 353 or visit www.swinburne.edu.my